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Skin Sensitivity
New research has shown that sensitive skin and susceptibility to eczema and dermatitis are genetically inherited. Previously it had been thought that these conditions were a product of our personal environment.
In the UK today, sensitive skin is common with 55% of women and 45% of men experiencing isolated skin sensitivity. The prevalence of atopic eczema has increased relentlessly over the past 50 years from 4% in the 1940’s to more than 25% today. If one parent suffers from atopic eczema then their child has a 20% chance of developing eczema; if both parents have or had atopic eczema, the likelihood increases to 50%.
The findings have been launched by Dr Michael Cork, Head of Academic Dermatology at the University of Sheffield Medical School in conjunction with Ariel Sensitive and their Skin Sense campaign to educate parents on the importance of looking after their families’ skin with handy tips to help achieve this.
As Dr Cork says,
“We now understand there are genes which make our skin more vulnerable to things in our personal environment like soap and some cosmetics. This research will help us to help people look after their family’s skin from an early age – in the future we may well be able to test at birth, and help families minimise the impact of sensitive skin on their lives – helping them to take control.”
The study has been endorsed by Allergy UK.
For Ariel Sensitive’s guidelines on keeping skin at it’s best please visit arielsensitive.co.uk
To download this full in-depth article (PDF format) please click here.